Our Mission
Promote social, cultural, religious, and spiritual understanding based upon Hindu (Vaidik) principles.
About Us
Who We Are
Organization for Hindu Religion and Culture
Organization for Hindu Religion and Culture (OHRC) is a not-for-profit charitable (501(c)(3)) organization established by the Bhutanese American Hindu Community in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on July 7, 2013.
OHRC was founded to fulfil the spiritual needs of former Bhutanese Hindu refugees resettled in the Harrisburg metro area. As of September 30, 2014, three hundred fifty Bhutanese Hindu refugee families were calling Harrisburg their new home.
- Hindu Temple
- Vaidik Teachings
- Community Seva
2013
Established in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Our Foundation
What Guides Us
Our mission and objectives guide every religious, cultural, educational, and humanitarian program at OHRC.
Why We Exist
OHRC was created to support former Bhutanese Hindu refugees resettled in the Harrisburg metro area — families navigating an unprecedented cultural shift who need a spiritual home rooted in Vaidik tradition.
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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Serving families across the greater Harrisburg metro area.
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Bhutanese Hindu Community
Founded by Bhutanese American Hindu families building a new life in America.
Objectives
- To establish a Hindu Temple to practice, enhance and propagate Hindu religious, social, and cultural activities.
- To foster the teachings of the Vedas and other Hindu Scriptures, and promote principles and practices thereof to facilitate education and creation of Hindu Priests, Pandits and Acharyas.
- To observe religious and cultural activities such as praying, worshipping, following traditional festivals, rituals, pious deeds, weddings, pilgrimage and mourning according to Vaidik faith.
- To foster technical education and performing arts activities.
- To enhance teaching and learning of Nepali language.
- To promote volunteerism and goodwill among all people, government entities and social organizations; and enhance religious tolerance.
- To provide financial, spiritual and social service assistance to needy families and individuals during emergencies.
Jul 7
Founded in Harrisburg, 2013
How We Began
Our Story
The core principle of establishing OHRC is to fulfil the spiritual need of former Bhutanese Hindu refugees resettled in the Harrisburg metro area who are experiencing an unprecedented cultural shift for which they are not prepared to adhere.
The primary objective of OHRC is to promote social, cultural, religious and spiritual understanding based upon Hindu/Vaidik principles through establishment of a Hindu Temple; teachings of the Vedas and other Hindu Scriptures; education and creation of Hindu Priests, Pandits and Acharyas within the community; and observation of religious and cultural activities according to Vaidik faith.
- Founded July 7, 2013 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Established by the Bhutanese American Hindu Community
- Registered as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization
- Serving Bhutanese Hindu refugee families across the Harrisburg metro area
2013
Year Founded
350+
Refugee Families Served
501(c)(3)
Charitable Status
7
Core Objectives
Community Programs
What We Do
From temple worship and Vaidik education to language learning, cultural celebration, and emergency seva — OHRC serves families across Harrisburg through faith-rooted action.
Faith & Worship
Temple life, festivals, and sacred rituals
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Temple & Worship
Daily puja, havans, prayer, and temple activities that anchor community life in Vaidik tradition.
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Festivals & Culture
Traditional festivals and cultural celebrations that keep heritage alive for every generation.
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Life Rituals
Weddings, pilgrimage, mourning, and sacred life ceremonies observed according to Vaidik faith.
Education & Heritage
Learning rooted in Vaidik tradition
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Vedic Education
Teachings of the Vedas and Hindu scriptures, supporting Priests, Pandits, and Acharyas.
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Nepali Language
Classes that help families preserve language and connect children to their roots.
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Technical Education
Skill-building programs that empower youth and adults in the community.
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Performing Arts
Music, dance, and arts programs that celebrate culture and nurture creative expression.
Community & Seva
Service, volunteerism, and emergency support
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Volunteerism
Promoting goodwill among people, organizations, and government partners across the community.
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Seva & Emergency Aid
Financial, spiritual, and social support for needy families and individuals during emergencies.
Every program reflects our mission to promote social, cultural, religious, and spiritual understanding based upon Hindu (Vaidik) principles.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
A spiritual home for Bhutanese Hindu families building community in America.
350+ refugee families served since 2013
Get Involved
Be Part of Our Community
Whether you want to volunteer, become a member, or simply learn more about OHRC, we would love to hear from you.
Become a Member
Join our growing Hindu community in Harrisburg.
Volunteer
Offer your time and skills to festivals, seva, and outreach.
Donate
Support temple programs, education, and emergency aid.
Contact Us
Have questions? We are here to welcome you.